How Fairfax County Schools Are Tackling Learning During Closure

FAIRFAX, VA — Fairfax County Public Schools are closed through April 10 due to concerns about the new coronavirus outbreak, and there is an initial plan in place for continuity of learning. The first two weeks of the closure, or Monday, March 16, to Friday, March 27, won't feature teacher instruction, and learning activities aren't required for students. A decision beyond the first two weeks hasn't been announced.

Optional online learning activities are provided to students on FCPS 24-7 Blackboard. These activities are self-directed and won't be graded. Students can choose activities based on their interests.

Instructional videos are available on FCPS cable channels, which are also available online. There is elementary school programming on Channel 21, middle school programming on Channel 25 and high school programming on Channel 99. More activities are being developed and will be added.

FCPS plans outreach to families who need access to technology and internet connection at home. Laptop distribution was scheduled for Monday, March 15, but that was postponed as the school district opted to close school buildings until further notice.

The school district could consider virtual learning directed by teachers beyond after the first two weeks, as well as how to approach the third quarter grading timeline and policies. April 3 is designated as the end of the third quarter on the school district calendar.

The latest information from FCPS related to the new coronavirus and messages from Superintendent Scott Brabrand are available at www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update.

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